Every Friday, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will share a film recommendation that will support students, staff and faculty in enhancing their understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Students, staff and faculty can access all films featured for free through the NC Libraries and Learning Commons.

Following the Red Dress Day event on May 5th, this week’s feature film is Finding Dawn.

Dawn Crey. Ramona Wilson. Daleen Kay Bosse. These are just three of the estimated 500 Indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada over the past thirty years. Directed by acclaimed Métis filmmaker Christine Welsh, Finding Dawn is a compelling documentary that puts a human face to this national tragedy. This is an epic journey into the dark heart of Indigenous women’s experience in Canada.

From Vancouver’s skid row, where more than 60 women are missing, we travel to the Highway of Tears in northern British Columbia, and onward to Saskatoon, where the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women remain unresolved. Along the road to honour those who have passed, we uncover reason for hope. It lives in Indigenous rights activists Professor Janice Acoose and Fay Blaney. It drives events such as the annual Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver and inspires communities all along the length of Highway 16 to come together to demand change. 

Finding Dawn illustrates the deep historical, social and economic factors that contribute to the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women in this country. It goes further to present the ultimate message that stopping the violence is everyone’s responsibility.

Sensitive Content Warning: This film has content that may be sensitive and triggering. Viewer discretion advised. Please take care of yourself when watching the film. 

The following resources are available to Niagara College employees and students: 

Employees 

Full-service EFAP 

  • EFAP services are offered by Homewood Health 
  • Employees and their family members can call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca with login code NC4321 

Students 

Health, Wellness, and Accessibility Services Niagara College 

Access the film

After viewing the film, we encourage you to reflect on the following questions:

  1. What insights will you be taking away from the film?
  2. What will you say or do differently as a result of watching the film?
  3. How can you apply what you’ve learned to your time here at NC and in your community?
  4. What would you like to learn more about as a result of watching the film?

If you experience any challenges accessing the films, please reach out to the Libraries and Learning Commons at [email protected].

If you have any questions related to the content of the films, please contact Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at [email protected].